Man arrested at JFK after customs finds cocaine in custard powder

John F. Kennedy International Airport customs officers stopped Godfrey Cassius, 35, as passed through baggage check and found almost 18 pounds of cocaine.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at John F. Kennedy International Airport stopped Godfrey Cassius, 35, as passed through baggage check late April 22.Credit: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Authorities arrested a man who tried to sneak nearly 18 pounds of cocaine in packages of custard powered through airport security.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at John F. Kennedy International Airport stopped Godfrey Cassius, 35, as passed through baggage check on April 22.

Officers asked Cassius, who had just flown in from Guyana, if he was carrying any food into the country, to which Cassius admitted brining eight packages of "Champion" brand custard powder allegedly for an aunt.

Agents then probed the packages in which they found a white powder that eventually tested positive for cocaine.

In all, customs confiscated 17.9 pounds of cocaine — which officials said has an approximate street value of $300,000.

"Cocaine is a dangerous narcotic, and CBP does its part in keeping these drugs off the streets," customs' Director of New York Field Operations Robert Perez said in a statement. "Our officers are determined to protect the American people from these illicit substances."